13 best wood stains

Product description

Minwax Remoistened Wood finishing Cloths allow you to wipe on stain and finish in one easy step. Great for both the novice and experienced wood finishers looking for a fast, easy way to finish their project.

From the Manufacturer

Minwax Remoistened Wood finishing Cloths allow you to wipe on stain and finish in one easy step! Great for both the novice and experienced wood finishers looking for a fast, easy way to finish their project.

• Experience the fast and easy way to finish wood
• Sand the wood smooth, remove any sanding dust, simply wipe on the stain and finish using the pre-moistened cloths
• Wipe off the excess with a clean rag, let dry for an hour, and you’re done
• One easy step
• Wood Finishing Cloths come in 5 popular wood tones from Natural Oak to Dark Mahogany
• Dries in one hour and cleans up with soap and warm water
• It's DIY in a whole new way
• Provides beautiful results in one hour

User questions & answers

Question:	How many
Answer:	Yes, it is the Honey Teak, 1 gallon. Ordered two of them from them last August.
Question:	Do i have you to use a sealer after to prevent water damage
Answer:	Yes, this item is the 1 Quart of Mahogany Flame Australian Timber Oil For Decks & Outdoor Furniture.
Question:	Do these have a strong odor
Answer:	My house is part of a condo association and they applied this product to my deck a few years ago and I couldn't walk on it for six weeks. I finally had the entire deck sanded and Australian Timber Oil applied again by an independent contractor which came out beautifully and was trouble free. I have since applied it myself several times and have never had a problem. It sounds to me that it is not being wiped soon enough after it is applied which will create problems. I like the product and plan to continue using it.
Question:	My dog chewed the leg of my mahogany dining chair. Do the wipes work well with elmer's stainable wood putty? It's a small chew but enough to annoy me
Answer:	I used the oil version and was very satisfied with the results. I have heard of less favorable results with the water based but have not tried it myself

Product features

Minwax Wood Finishing Cloths

• Experience the fast and easy way to finish wood.
• Sand the wood smooth, remove any sanding dust, simply wipe on the stain and finish using the pre-moistened cloths.
• Wipe off the excess with a clean rag, let dry for an hour, and you’re done!
• For an even deeper color and sheen, apply another coat.

Product description

Minwax 260914444 Interior Wood Gel Stain, 1/2 pint, Coffee

• The non-drip formula makes it ideal for vertical applications like doors and molding
• The thick-bodied consistency makes it ideal for giving fiberglass or metal doors
• Rich, wood appearance
• Recoat: 8-10 hours

User questions & answers

Question:	I bought the wrong color gel stain it's too dark on my side table. Can I use a lighter color gel stain over the dark gel stain
Answer:	There were 8 wipes.Be sure and buy some gloves from the dollar store.Dish type preferably.Good luck. :)
Question:	is this for interior and exterior staining and spar urethane finish
Answer:	No. I used on bathroom cabinet and did not seal.
Question:	Do you need to sand before applying gel stain
Answer:	I didn't think so. I used them in a small bedroom and didn't really notice much smell.
Question:	I have a water based primered wood ,can stain over it
Answer:	Yes, this should work for your repair. You can apply the stain multiple times to achieve the depth of color. Take a look at the Minwax touch-up pens, they also work very well.

Product features

Minwax Gel Stain

Minwax Gel Stain is specifically designed to give you full control over the staining process and help you achieve beautiful results.

Product description

In 1969, Douglas G. Howard set out to solve this dilemma: how can you eliminate blemishes in wood finishes and restore the original color and luster without removing any of the existing finish? Unable to find an answer at his local hardware store, he went to work in his garage to create his own product. His goal was to make something that would be much more than a surface treatment, yet nothing like a stripper or a refinisher. The key was to develop a formula that could clean and polish the surface, penetrate the finish with stain, and leave the original finish intact. The end result was Restor-A-Finish, Doug Howard's first in what would become a complete line of wood care products. For over 40 years, Howard's Restor-A-Finish has been a standard in the antique industry. Because Restor-A-Finish preserves the original wood finish it also helps preserve its authenticity and value, whereas stripping the finish may literally strip the piece of its value. Almost any existing wood tone, from a Birdseye Maple to a Jacobean, can be closely matched using one of the nine available finish colors. Trying it on just about everything with a traditional wood finish, antique dealers, refinishers, and homemakers have found it to be a safer and easier alternative to stripping and refinishing. Scratches, oxidation, white heat rings, watermarks, smoke damage, and sun fade simply disappear.

From the Manufacturer

For over 40 years, Howard's Restor-A-Finish has been a standard in the antique industry. Because Restor-A-Finish preserves the original wood finish it also helps preserve its authenticity and value, whereas stripping the finish may literally strip the piece of its value. Almost any existing wood tone, from a Birdseye Maple to a Jacobean, can be closely matched using one of the nine available finish colors. Trying it on just about everything with a traditional wood finish, antique dealers, refinishers, and homemakers have found it to be a safer and easier alternative to stripping and refinishing. Scratches, oxidation, white heat rings, watermarks, smoke damage, and sun fade simply disappear. In 1969, Douglas G. Howard set out to solve this dilemma: how can you eliminate blemishes in wood finishes and restore the original color and luster without removing any of the existing finish? Unable to find an answer at his local hardware store, he went to work in his garage to create his own product. His goal was to make something that would be much more than a surface treatment, yet nothing like a stripper or a refinisher. The key was to develop a formula that could clean and polish the surface, penetrate the finish with stain, and leave the original finish intact. The end result was Restor-A-Finish, Doug Howard's first in what would become a complete line of wood care products.

• Restor-A-Finish is a unique finish-penetrating formula that restores wood finishes while blending out minor scratches, blemishes and abrasions
• Available in nine colors to match almost any wood finish tone; Neutral, Maple-Pine, Golden Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Mahogany, Dark Walnut, Dark Oak, and Ebony Brown
• With a simple wipe-on, wipe-off process, most finished wood surfaces that seem to need a complete refinishing job can be restored in a few minutes
• Removes white heat rings and water marks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage and most other blemishes
• Restor-A-Finish restores the finish without removing any of the existing finish
• Before you go to the extreme of stripping it, restore it

User questions & answers

Question:	what to use to clean wood first and then after the application of restor a finish
Answer:	I'm really not sure how that woul.d turn out. I think you will have to sand it down again and start over
Question:	Will it help with acetone stain
Answer:	We use it mainly on stuff inside the house, but have used it on things outside but after staining and its dry we use a water proof sealer.
Question:	Which color should I get if I have dark expresso color wood
Answer:	Interesting replies about sanding. You aren't sanding to "smooth" the surface, you are sanding to rough it up so the gel stain adheres better. Gel stain isn't like a regular stain that soaks into the wood, it's more like a paint. A light sanding is all you need.
Question:	can you use it on floors
Answer:	the main thing is the grain. this gel stain inhances grain when staining un painted... if your primered wood has grain it should enhance... great stuff. I stained a 2 inch space board over wood floors and matched it perfectly

Product features

Howard Restor-A-Finish

Restor-A-Finish penetrates faded lacquer, shellac, and varnish finishes to bring back the original color and luster. It restores the depth of grain in wood finishes, going much deeper than temporary 'scratch cover' products. Restor-A-Finish penetrates and permanently restores most wood finishes without removing any of the existing finish. Restor-A-Finish maintains the original 'patina' of an antique finish, maintaining its character and value as an antique.

White heat rings and water marks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes can be quickly blended away with this simple wipe-on, wipe-off process.

Comes in 9 different colors. If you are uncertain about which color to use, then chose a color slightly lighter than your finish. Before you go to the extreme of stripping it, try restoring it!

Product description

Minwax 63487000 Wood Finish Stain Marker, Dark Walnut The Minwax Wood Finish Stain Marker is perfect for touching up minor scratches. It can also be used for detail staining and small craft projects. For touch-ups and staining Fast and easy Permanent

From the Manufacturer

Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. From staining and protection, to preparation, maintenance, cleaning and repair, Minwax makes and keeps wood beautiful.

• This product adds a great value
• Ideal for use on furniture, molding, cabinets and more
• Dark Walnut
• Easy touch-up for common nicks and scratches
• Ideal for use on furniture, molding, cabinets and more.
• Dark Walnut
• Fast drying

User questions & answers

Question:	I used mine 3 weeks ago & it's still wet, rubs off & has ruined fabric. Why won't it dry? *crying
Answer:	Nothing. Only restor-a-finish.
Question:	Would this work on wood paint damage done by acetone or nail acrylic liquid
Answer:	Yes it would. You would need to sand it about 1” to 2” beyond the acetone mark (all around) with fine sandpaper instead of the steel wool recommended on the product instructions. Do it gently in circular even pressure moves. It will be a labor of love therefore, patience. Remove the dust created and clean the area very well. Apply the chosen color very lightly. Allow to really dry which will be more than 24hrs. Apply another gentle dab. Allow to dry. By now, you should be getting close to the color but repeat until satisfactory. All the best!
Question:	Will this work on an acetone damaged spot (about 1inch) or only scratches
Answer:	Their Ebony Brown shade is ideal for modern Espresso finishes. I've used it to dramatic and fantastic effect. Great stuff!
Question:	I have white scratches on my hardwood floors from moving furniture would this cover these scratches
Answer:	Just used the maple pine and left on a few mins. did section by section directions say wipe on and off and that is probably better as the floor is a bit darker HOWEVER. The floor was wretched with loss of finish in several places. It is now totally acceptable. After drying, used paste wax and then buffed. The floor is a save. We are selling the house and this saved refinishing

Product features

Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers

• This stain pen contains real Minwax Wood Finish stain, the number one consumer choice of wood stain.
• Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers are also ideal for small hobby and wood craft projects and to add decorative touches to large projects.

Product description

Minwax 61500444 Pre Stain Wood Conditioner, 1 Quart

From the Manufacturer

Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. From staining and protection, to preparation, maintenance, cleaning and repair, Minwax makes and keeps wood beautiful.

• Assures even stain penetration on soft woods such as Pine, fit and spruce
• Prepares the wood to avoid blotching and streaking
• Wood may be stained immediately after application
• Assures even stain penetration on soft woods such as pine, fir and spruce
• Prepares the wood to avoid blotching and streaking
• Wood may be stained immediately after application
• Coverage is approximately 75-Square Feet per quart
• 1 quart

User questions & answers

Question:	what should I clean with
Answer:	I had small spots to cover. I dabbed the product on and blended in with the surrounding area and then lightly touched with a clean cloth and area was dry within 15 minutes.
Question:	Is pre-stain necessary for red oak
Answer:	What do u mean wood paint ? Probably not as it is a stain and not a paint . Is the surface wood underneath ?
Question:	Should I use this on pine wood before I stain
Answer:	This product is exceptional at polishing a finish that is already in good condition. Since this product is more of a polish so it will correct very shallow surface scratches, but other products are designed to cover regular scratches, e.g. Howards Restor a Finish. I haven't tried it but I wonder if acetone causes damage to modern finishes. Acetone would certainly damage an antique shellac finish (french polish). If the damage is blushing (a white spot), this product may work, but so would mayonnaise. If the damage was from nail polish or remover, the damage was due to the ethyl acetate which dissolves old and modern lacquer finishes and nothing except refinishing or a talented touch up restorer could fix. You could try to lightly sand the area, use a similar colored magic marker to stain the area if needed, and use straight or thinned clear nail polish to fix the spot or use spray lacquer. It takes a little artistic flair and maybe the spot will look better than before, but what have you got to lose. There, I gave away my 40+ years experience secrets with restoration.
Question:	Has anyone used this on Cherry wood? I also wanted to know if this would make a difference before I stain Cherry wood
Answer:	I absolutely would try it. I sell antique furniture and have used this product on many peices. Success rate is about 85-90%. The key is choosing the right color.

Product description

Walnut Wood Stain - Water-soluble stain is sun-fast, true-to-color and non-bleeding. Produces a clear, rich color without grain clouding or smearing. Walnut Stain is a true, brown-walnut color for the traditional look. Color intensity is easily controlled by adding water to concentrate or using full strength for light collared woods such as birch.

• Water-soluble stain is sun-fast, true-to-color and non-bleeding. - See more at: https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Refinishing/Wood-Finishing/Walnut-Wood-Stain.aspx#sthash.sdoCeH3f.dpuf
• Produces a clear, rich color without grain clouding or smearing
• Rich brown walnut
• Rich brown walnut
• Perfect addition to any gun maintenance kit
• Easy to use

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you mix this with a clear oil based polyurethane
Answer:	Soap and water and let dry for 24 hers or wood cleaner
Question:	Can this be used for concrete staining
Answer:	Strictly speaking, it is not necessary. However, Red Oak has grain that (depending on the board) can present some difficulties with even-ness of staining. Using this pre-Stain prevents those issues from occurring and, in my opnion the extra time is well worth it.
Question:	It states that it is water-based. Does this mean it will rub off or drip off in the event the material makes contact with water
Answer:	I would, it will help prevent blotchy areas. Soaks right in, I have had good luck with it.
Question:	Can more than one coat of stain be applied
Answer:	I used this on cherry when applying a black cherry stain. In general, pre-stain makes the actual stain lighter. With the black cherry stain and no pre-stain it made the wood appear too dark and very purple. When applying the pre-stain It worked perfectly for what I was trying to achieve. I was able to match an antique dark cherry dresser almost perfectly. Always test with a scrap piece with and without the pre-stain but it works on all wood types.

Product description

Minwax 63481000 Wood Finish Stain Marker, Golden OakThe Minwax Wood Finish Stain Marker is perfect for touching up minor scratches. It can also be used for detail staining and small craft projects. For touch-ups and staining Fast and easy Permanent

From the Manufacturer

Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. From staining and protection, to preparation, maintenance, cleaning and repair, Minwax makes and keeps wood beautiful.

• This product adds a great value
• Ideal for use on furniture, molding, cabinets and more
• Golden Oak
• Easy touch-up for common nicks and scratches
• Ideal for use on furniture, molding, cabinets and more.
• Golden Oak
• Fast drying

User questions & answers

Question:	does it work with wood looking tile
Answer:	I think it should work, but I have not ever personally done it. Maybe try it with a small amount and see how it works.
Question:	Can it be used to cover up scratch on wood looking metal patio table
Answer:	Never tried it but it's a real stain so it should stain anything, works on wood, fingers and clothes, I know. So it should stain concrete but it's really dark and would cost a fortune to do more than a square foot or so. I would use concrete stain myself. I really can't recommend it on concrete.
Question:	What color is the closest to Golden Pecan
Answer:	Not it does not rub off. It stains the wood, it’s watery so it soaks into the wood. It definitely does not wash off.
Question:	How does this product work on wood putty? I used some to fill a hole to change out hardware and need to cover the putty to make the old holes less
Answer:	You sure can. The first coat will add the most color because it will penetrate the wood the most, but each successive coat will darken it a little more. I have been very happy with this stain.

Product features

Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers

• This stain pen contains real Minwax Wood Finish stain, the number one consumer choice of wood stain.
• Minwax Wood Finish Stain Markers are also ideal for small hobby and wood craft projects and to add decorative touches to large projects.

Product description

Minwax 227614444 Wood Finish Penetrating Interior Wood Stain, 1/2 pint, Classic Gray

From the Manufacturer

Minwax Wood Finish is an oil-based wood stain that provides long-lasting wood tone color. It penetrates deep into the pores to seal and protect the wood.

• Available in 28 beautiful colors.
• Can be used to add beauty to any bare or stripped wood surface.
• It is ideal for staining unfinished wood furniture, cabinets, wood door, trim, molding and hardwood floors.
• Penetrates deep into wood fibers to highlight the grain
• America's favorite wood finish

User questions & answers

Question:	I used this to stain my kitchen table but after drying it is sticky. what can i do to get rid of stickiness? do i have to resand with fine sand paper
Answer:	Not usually, but it may under certain circumstances. Wood is somewhat absorbent and holds the product/color. Tile is nonporous unless the surface is lost, then it may absorb the product holding the color. The color would have to be sealed so it would not be removed upon cleaning. Clear nail polish or clear finishes may work. It may be worth a try. good luck
Question:	It says it is available in different colors. Where are the colors
Answer:	While I haven’t used it on anything other than wood, I think it could. Two thoughts, however. I would use a color a little lighter than what you are putting it on, and I would have a damp paper towel or cloth ready to wipe it off immediately if you don’t like the result.
Question:	How far does this cover with one coat
Answer:	It is a shade off of Maple
Question:	Do I need to apply a seal on top of the stain
Answer:	It would soak in and color the putty. However if it's a large area your covering keep in mind the stain is see through so there would be no wood grain where the putty is therefore may be seen. It's great for a small area though.

Product description

Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain is a high-performance stain enhanced with nano pigment particles. Nano pigments provide ultimate color quality and exceptional wood grain highlighting allowing for maximum color in one coat. Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stain seals wood pores and hardens in just one hour. Easily brushes on without the use of a pre-stain or wood conditioner.

• Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling
• One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
• Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 275 square feet
• High performance stain system enhanced with nano pigment particles
• Highlights natural wood grain to reveal wood's beauty

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this stain be thinned out? If so, with what
Answer:	How long has it been drying for? Perhaps put the table outside in the sun to fully dry. I applied clear coat after mine dried.
Question:	Looking to paint hollow doors- Do I need a wood conditioner first? Or will this cover well in 1 coat
Answer:	Drop-down menu. If they’re not present when you look, they may not be available in this listing. In that case, do another search for Miniwax Stain to find a listing that has additional color options.
Question:	Is this considered a gel stain or regular stain
Answer:	Depends on how well the item has been sanded. I used it on unfinished wooden crates and usually did 2 coats to give it an even look
Question:	Should this be applied with a brush or cloth
Answer:	Never got that far with the pint of Stain that I received . The stain had no Brown in it for a Fruitwood color. But I would have applied a good sealer, like Varnish or Polyurethane.

Product features

Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain

Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stains are 3 times faster than ordinary stains.

Sand with Increasing Fine Grits

• Sand bare wood in the direction of the grain
• Start with #120 grit sandpaper and progress through #150, #180 and #220 grits
• Wipe clean with mineral spirits

Stain with Brush or Lint-Free Cloth

• Apply liberally with brush or clean, lint-free rag
• Wait 5-10 minutes according to color preference
• Wipe off with clean, lint-free cloth in the direction of wood grain

Cover with Poly for Extra Protection

• For long term protection and durability, top coat with Varathane Polyurethane
• Can be coated within 1 hour of stain application

Helpful Tips for a Perfect Project

Product description

SamaN Water Based stains are made for all types of interior woodwork, doors, furniture, cabinets and mouldings. Use SamaN's staining kit for fine wood. No need for a conditioner. No overlapping marks. Needs just one coat. Does not raise the wood grain. Exceptional coverage -12-Ounce covers up to 75 Square Feet. SamaN Waterbased Stains are odorless, safe for the earth, safe for people and safe for pets.

From the Manufacturer

SamaN Water Based stains are made for all types of interior woodwork, doors, furniture, cabinets and mouldings. Use SamaN's staining kit for fine wood. No need for a conditioner. No overlapping marks. Needs just one coat. Does not raise the wood grain. Exceptional coverage -12-Ounce covers up to 75 Square Feet. SamaN Waterbased Stains are odorless, safe for the earth, safe for people and safe for pets.

• Made for all types of interior woodwork
• No need for a conditioner
• Needs just one coat
• Exceptional coverage -12-Ounce covers up to 75 Square Feet
• Safe for the earth, safe for people and safe for pets

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you laquor over this stain
Answer:	I dont dont know about purple. But I have mixed the different colors to achieve the color i want.
Question:	Is this a dark turquoise paint? Can it be used in a paint spraye
Answer:	I used one tube on a bench that is approximately 4' x 1' plus the backrest and legs. The tube is not empty. You might only need one tube. It's very spreadable. I think you could use it on a grooved surface. It might look darker down in the grooves.
Question:	What about water based stain on kitchen cabinets, will cooking on stove damage or lessen colour? Especially because of boiling water and splatters
Answer:	The rule of thumb is that you can use oil based products over water based products without ill effect, but not vice versa. Use an exterior grade varnish, polyurethane or what have you for exterior use over this water based gel stain and it should work just fine provided it’s dry. I used an exterior polyurethane over this with excellent results. However, I’d recommend sanding before staining. Use additional coats of stain after one hour for a darker finish. If you sand this stain, do it outside with adequate ventilation, or wear a dust mask. It contains silica that can cause lung problems with sustained use. I used this stain under a water based acrylic, also with good results. I used a brush, but a cloth will give you excellent results as well. Wipe off excess after staining, and keep applying additional coats until you get the color desired. I think they recommend a three hour drying time before the polyurethane, but I let it sit 24 hours to be sure.
Question:	Has anyone used the color "whitewashed"? How did it turn out? Is the color able to stay? I heard lighter color is a bit harder for wood to absorb
Answer:	Yes you can use a foam brush, but a rag (imo) is needed as well. It is more gel like than liquid. You could apply with the foam brush and wipe with the rag. As the other person said. I just used a rag.
Question:	Can different colors of this stain be mixed to make intermediate colors of stain? Example: could i mix crimson and indigo to make a purple stain
Answer:	I haven't tried but other reviews indicate the fast drying formula is already thinned out
Question:	How much of this would I need to cover a 2' x 6' coffee table? Can I use it on grooved surfaces as well
Answer:	This is not a paint, but rather a stain. If you're looking to cover up defects or anything along those lines this will not work. Yes, it will alter the color of the wood with one use though.
Question:	Can I use this for an outside railing with an exterior finish on it
Answer:	It's not a gel stain but the consistency is thicker than a regular stain.
Question:	Is this like a liquid consistency? Can you apply it with a foam brush
Answer:	We used a brush to apply and a cloth to rub it in/off after a few minutes. It's very easy to work with.

Product features

Minwax Express Color

• You just wipe it on, wipe off the excess and let it dry for an hour.
• Water-based and soap and water cleanup.
• For additional shine and protection, apply Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish on top of Minwax Express Color.

Color Guide

It is available in 4 wood tone colors and 4 decorative colors.

Product description

General Finishes water based stains have all the advantages of oil base stains: they spread easily, can be repaired, can be Blended effortlessly, and have plenty of open time. The thicker formula allows controlled penetration, which will reduce blotching on softer goods such as aspen, pine and maple.

• High-quality pigments produce rich, dark colors; Can be hand-applied or sprayed.
• Indoor use only; Formulated to provide workability similar to oil based stains
• Low odor, low VOC, water cleanup and noncombustible
• Create custom colors by intermixing GF Water Based Wood Stains or paints, or mix with any GF water based topcoat to tint and tone

User questions & answers

Question:	I'm looking for a water base stain that will not be shiny. Is this a flat stain
Answer:	Yes, comes out very nice
Question:	Can I use multiple coats to get a darker color or just only one
Answer:	The first layer goes on light, but as you add a second and third coat is is deep and GORGEOUS! I used it on my wood floors in the kitchen! I wouldn't recommend spraying, because that would cause a lot of air bubbles- stick with a stain sponge and you will be done in no time!
Question:	Does it cause grain raise? As it’s water based and drys out fast
Answer:	I haven't used it in a wet area, but I would say it would all depend on the poly coat and not the stain in this case. I haven't had any issues with it under poly thus far.
Question:	Does this help/act as a protection against water/liquid
Answer:	I used it on my old hollow core dark doors and I LOVE the results. I just sanded before applying, used a paint sponge to paint it on, and then wiped it off with a cloth. The doors now look like a gorgeous sun lightened wood...couldn't be happier. Don't wipe too vigorously...just gently, and if too much comes off the first time you can always reapply.

Product description

Minwax 13407 Hp Pre-Stn Conditnr

From the Manufacturer

Minwax is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. From staining and protection, to preparation, maintenance, cleaning and repair, Minwax makes and keeps wood beautiful.

• Treating the surface with Pre-Stain wood conditioner helps prevent streaks and blotches by evening out the absorption of oil-based stains
• It can be applied over any wood but is especially necessary when working with soft or porous woods like Pine, alder, birch, and Maple
• Recommended uses: on soft or hard woods before using Oil- based wood stains
• Assures even stain penetration on soft woods such as pine, fir and spruce
• Prepares the wood to avoid blotching and streaking
• Wood may be stained immediately after application
• Coverage is approximately 75-Square Feet per quart

User questions & answers

Question:	Has anyone noticed a difference in stain color after use? I am staining red oak and noticed that if I stain it with conditioner it is much lighter
Answer:	It is flat. If you seal it with a varnish you can change that to flat, semi gloss, gloss.
Question:	Will this work if we apply it after staining
Answer:	I used multiple coats of General Finishes water-based (Black Cherry color) to get a darker color on two pieces of unfinished furniture I completed last year. I think the results were beautiful, but of course the stain obscured almost all of the grain in the wood. This wasn't a problem for me since I was seeking a dark and nearly uniform color, so if that's the look you're after just keep applying coats until the wood is as dark as you want it to be. I did not wipe the stain between coats -- I actually applied it more like paint. If I recall correctly, I used four coats of stain followed by six coats of General Finishes High Performance Water Based Top Coat (semigloss). This was my first experience using General Finishes products and I found them to be superior to anything I'd previously purchased from the big box home improvement stores.
Question:	Will this prevent seeing the foam brush stroak line from the gel stain even after wiping
Answer:	anything that is water based causes grain raise. Lightly wetting down wood and sanding down the grain raise prior to staining and finishing is a good plan
Question:	Can I use a Water based stain with this
Answer:	You will want to add a sealer after the stain has dried well. The sealer offers protection against liquids.

Product features

Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner prepares bare wood for staining. It penetrates the grain of the wood to promote uniform acceptance of stains.

• Available in Oil-based and Water-based
• Treating the surface with Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner helps prevent streaks and blotches by evening out the absorption of stains.
• It can be applied over any wood but is especially necessary when working with soft or porous woods like pine, alder, birch, and maple.

Product description

This water-based wood effect works with wood’s tannins to produce a naturally aged look in minutes. Every piece of wood reacts differently, so every project is unique.

• Accelerated the look of naturally aged wood
• Just brush on bare wood
• Unique results every time